Mike Thompson represents California's 5th Congressional District. The district includes all of Napa and parts of Contra Costa, Lake, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He was first elected in 1998. Prior to serving in Congress, Thompson represented California's 2nd District in the California State Senate, where he chaired the powerful Budget Committee.
Thompson is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and serves as Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee and as a senior member of the Health Subcommittee.
As a Vietnam combat veteran and Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus, I understand our nation’s responsibility to our men and women in uniform. No person who served honorably in our Armed Forces should have to fight for a paycheck, proper health care or a roof over their head.
Employment and Homelessness
Veterans are among our country’s most skilled workers and getting these individuals into civilian employment is a top priority of mine. For example, I’ve long-supported making the Work Opportunity Tax Credit permanent. This credit is available to businesses that hire workers from nine target groups, including veterans. I’ve also worked to ensure veterans can obtain civilian certification for skills they acquire in the military.
In addition, I’m a strong supporter of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program vouchers for our district and I cosponsored legislation to ensure the children of homeless veterans are included in benefit calculations for these grants. Veterans pay a heavy price in service to our country and they should never be forced to live on the streets.
VA Health Care
In 2018, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a major reform of our veterans’ health system. The law establishes a new, permanent community care program; expands comprehensive assistance for family caregivers; helps the VA recruit and retain specialists; and establishes a review commission to make recommendations on modernizing VA medical facilities.
While I was proud to vote for this important legislation, much work remains to ensure these reforms are put into practice. The Veterans Health Administration is currently in the process of implementing regulations. Congress must exercise appropriate oversight to ensure the VA MISSION Act functions as intended. Please know I’m committed to ensuring our veterans receive the superior care they deserve.
Survivor Benefits
Surviving family members of a veteran killed in the line of duty, or as a result of a service-connected injury or illness, are entitled to survivor benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) program. Retired veterans may also purchase life insurance through the Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). However, under current law, the Defense Department is required to deduct DIC payments from SBP annuities. This means surviving family members who receive DIC and SBP concurrently have their benefits reduced.
The DIC is an earned benefit that should have no impact whatsoever on SBP annuities that veterans pay premiums for out of pocket. That’s why I’ve cosponsored legislation to eliminate the offsets veterans or their spouses incur under concurrent receipt.
Our country owes veterans a great debt. Please know I’m committed to ensuring former servicemembers and their families receive the care and benefits they earned as they transition from active duty to civilian life.